Stroller Recall Due to Strangulation Risk: What Parents Need to Know

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled two million older model Graco strollers after four children were strangulated and five others became entrapped in the strollers and sustained cuts and bruising.

According to the CPSC:

Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

Posted On: October 25, 2010 by Patrick A. Malone Stroller recall due to strangulation risk: What parents need to know The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled two million older model Graco strollers after four children were strangulated and five others became entrapped in the strollers and sustained cuts and bruising. According to the CPSC: Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between Patrick A. Malone Patrick Malone & Associates, P.C. 1331 H Street N.W. Suite 902 Washington, DC 20005 pmalone@patrickmalonelaw.com www.patrickmalonelaw.com 202-742-1500 202-742-1515 (fax) Copyright 2010 Patrick Malonethe stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation. Various product numbers from the following four Graco models were recalled: Quattro Stroller, Quattro Stroller Travel System, MetroLite Stroller and MetroLite Stroller Travel System. The strollers were sold at Babies R Us, Walmart, K-Mart, Target, Sears and several other large retailers between November 2000 and December 2007. Parents who discover they own one of the recalled strollers should stop using them at once and contact Graco toll-free at 877-828-4046 for a free repair kit. Newer models aren’t included in the recall because updated voluntary manufacturing standards went into effect in January 2008 that increased the space between the stroller tray and seat bottom, lessening the risk of harm. For example, the Graco MetroLite stroller now on the market carries a best buy rating from Consumer Reports because it passed the tougher safety standard, says Don Mays, senior director of product safety for Consumer Reports in Yonkers, N.Y. “People who have these old strollers in their homes and pass them down from one child to the next, they’re the ones at risk,” Mays says, adding that the danger only exists if children aren’t buckled in every time they ride in the affected strollers. Source: Marketwatch For more recall details, including a complete list of affected model numbers, visit the CPSC page here. To contact Graco online, go here. Patrick A. Malone Patrick Malone & Associates, P.C. 1331 H Street N.W. Suite 902 Washington, DC 20005 pmalone@patrickmalonelaw.com www.patrickmalonelaw.com 202-742-1500 202-742-1515 (fax) Copyright 2010 Patrick MaloneFamilies interested in learning more about our firm's legal services, including legal representation for children who have suffered serious injuries in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia due to medical malpractice, defective products, birth-related trauma or other injuries, may ask questions or send us information about a particular case by phone or email. There is no charge for contacting us regarding your inquiry. An attorney will respond within 24 hours. All contents copyrighted 2010 Patrick Malone & Associates except where copyright held by others. Reproduction in any form prohibited except where expressly granted. Patrick A. Malone Patrick Malone & Associates, P.C. 1331 H Street N.W. Suite 902 Washington, DC 20005 pmalone@patrickmalonelaw.com www.patrickmalonelaw.com 202-742-1500 202-742-1515 (fax) Copyright 2010 Patrick Malone

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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